In the quiet evening hours of December 2, 2023, the Suburban Studio Hotel in Auburn Hills, Michigan, became the scene of a fatal encounter. Inside, a dispute between two acquaintances escalated, ending the life of 47-year-old Anthony Russel Holcomb. A resident of Auburn Hills himself, the male victim was discovered by police suffering from a gunshot wound after a 911 call was placed by the man who had just shot him.
The shooter, identified as 24-year-old Malcolm Otis Draper of Pontiac,
remained at the hotel and was cooperative with the authorities who arrived at approximately 8 p.m. Holcomb was swiftly transported to a local hospital, but his injury proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead. Investigators learned that a heated argument over paint supplies had preceded the deadly shooting. Authorities reassured the public that this was an isolated incident and there was no further danger.
Following the investigation, Malcolm Otis Draper was arrested and faced serious charges. He was charged with one count of homicide-open murder, a charge that allows a jury to determine the degree of murder. During his arraignment in the 52/3 District Court in Rochester Hills, he was denied bond. After a three-day trial in July 2024, a jury found Draper guilty of second-degree murder and felony firearm charges. He awaited sentencing, facing the possibility of a life sentence for his actions.
